Encounters with friends and critters

We had a busy weekend. Saturday we had our newest neighbor, Janel, and her daughter, Breanne, over for dinner. The poor woman moved in next door in December but because of the crappy winter, we didn't get to meet her until spring. Our conversations had been brief over the fence when we were both outside. So I decided to be "neighborly" and invite them and our other neighbors over for dinner. Unfortunately, the other neighbors were sick with the flu and couldn't join us.

We had a nice time-it was fun to talk over dinner, show off our home and share a meal. Lucas and Breanne went outside for a bit. Lucas loved exploring their yard and Bre kept a great eye on her. Future sitter for us!! At one point after dinner, Bre let their dog, Max, out. It was dusk so the critters were starting to come out. And lo and behold, a skunk was at the end of their back yard. Max took off after it and got sprayed. Poor dog-he stunk!!! Janel called him back to us which meant we all started to smell like the skunk. Max rubbed up against my leg so I went into the basement and tried to scrub as much off as I could! Max has had at least three baths and got a trip to the groomer on Monday! Our evening quickly ended but with promises to do it again!

Since our lovely cat Jeff looks a little like a skunk, we spent a good part of the evening telling Lucas that he needs to stay away from any of the animals in our back yard, especially those who look like Jeff! Just more motivation to get a dog-it will keep some of the animals at bay when Lucas is playing outside.

On Sunday, Lucas and I visited my friend Daniel and his wife Stacy. They have a farm outside of Wheeling. Despite a horrible rain storm, poorly marked country roads and little cell service, we made it without any issues! We got to know 6 of their 7 cats, saw their beehive, met Buster and Bob-their neighbor's year old bulls. That is right, not cows but bulls-horns, attitude and all. Lucas got to feed and walk one of Stacy's horses-Little Joe. I got some great pictures that will appear here soon. Lucas was great-he loved leading Joe, giving treats to the cats, playing with Daniel.